FUNDING BODIES COME TOGETHER TO SUPPORT ATHENA

It is with great pleasure that Screen Queensland (SQ) forwards the below media release from Screenworks regarding The Athena Project, proudly supported by SQ.

FUNDING BODIES COME TOGETHER TO SUPPORT ATHENA

In a display of partnership and collaboration in the Australian screen industry, Screenworks announced today that it has secured a commitment from every state and territory funding body in Australia to provide financial support for The Athena Project participants to ensure that they can achieve tangible career outcomes identified as part of the 2-day career development residential workshop. The Athena Project is one of 13 industry projects being supported by Screen Australia through its Genders Matters: Brilliant Careers program.

With applications closing next week (Thursday 8 September), the support from the multiple funding bodies, in addition to support from Screen Australia, means that approximately $5,000 will be offered to each participating individual or team selected. The financial package for participants will be administered by Screenworks, who will also provide ongoing support for 12 months to all participants to assist them in implementing their career plans.

Screenworks will be selecting participants (either an individual or team of two) from every state and territory for The Athena Project, with four to be selected from regional NSW. All participants will travel to Byron Bay to undertake a 2-day intensive residential workshop where some of Australia’s most outstanding female filmmakers will help them to develop career plans and identify priority actions to be achieved during the next 12 months.

‘We want to make sure that the female filmmakers from regional Australia selected for this project are able to achieve tangible career progression and ultimately increase the number of regional woman in key creative roles in the Australian screen industry. We will now be able to make this happen thanks to our new project partners – including Screen NSW, Film Victoria, Screen ACT, Screen Queensland, Screen Territory, Screenwest, South Australian Film Corporation and the Tasmanian Government through Screen Tasmania,’ explained The Athena Project Manager, Lisa O’Meara

‘Securing this additional support was always going to be a big undertaking for Screenworks, but it was a very important piece of the puzzle for The Athena Project as it enables the participants to actually start making a difference to their careers.’

Screenworks is currently calling for applications to The Athena Project from regionally-based female screenwriters and directors across Australia. Applicants can be individual writers and/or directors or teams of two – a writer and director.

To apply, applicants need to demonstrate intial success in the screen industry, identify the barriers they face in trying to advance their careers, and submit a draft career plan.

Applications can be submitted online via Screenworks’ website and must be submitted no later than midday (AEST) on 8 September 2016.

The two-day Residential Workshopwith the selected participants will take place on 9 and 10 November 2016 at The Byron At Byron Resort. A Screen Industry Careers Forum will happen be held the day before on 8 November 2016.